When a tree falls or is removed, oftentimes, a stump is left behind. There are plenty of reasons to want a stump removed from your property, but most homeowners don’t have the tools or knowledge to do it themselves. In most cases, we recommend a professional to handle your stump removal project. That way, you can avoid accidents and you can rest assured that the entire stump will be taken care of.

Why Stump Removal is Necessary

A stump can be an unsightly part of your landscape, and removing it can add precious square footage to your space. Stump removal creates a better looking lawn that’s easier to mow and work with. 

Aside from appearance, many homeowners opt to have stumps removed because they can be a host for harmful pest infestations and diseases. Without proper removal, these pests and diseases can affect the surrounding plants in your yard. Most often, homeowners have their stumps removed to improve their curb appeal and keep their lawn looking and growing its best.

Stump Removal Techniques

There are several techniques that arborists use to remove stumps. Although many techniques can be tried at home, we never recommend that you DIY this project. Stumps can be stubborn to remove, and it requires proper tools and chemicals to get the job done safely, efficiently, and effectively.

Manually

If you want to remove a stump yourself, you can do so with a chainsaw, shovel, and an axe. This method is best for smaller trees and those that have been affected by disease. Simply dig out the base of the trunk until the roots are exposed, chop them off with the axe, and carefully uproot the stump.

Chemically

Chemically removing a stump is very effective, but it’s a job that’s best left to the pros. There are certain environmental hazards and local restrictions that must be considered before you opt for this method. Your local arborist will have access to the right chemicals and will know how to apply them correctly without posing a danger to your family or your lawn.

Grinding 

Grinding a stump is the quickest way to remove it, but it requires the right tools and skills. A stump grinder makes quick work of digging up an old stump, roots and all. Best of all, this method creates compost out of your old stump, which can be used for mulch around the plants in your yard. Stump grinders are available to rent at your local hardware store, but it’s best to leave this job to the pros. They know how to use the equipment safely and effectively.

Rotting

Rotting is a method where an arborist creates holes in your stump and fills them with a chemical that helps the stump decompose more quickly. Then, they pour water in the holes and chip away pieces of stump that have rotted away. Once the stump is removed, the area is filled with soil so that new grass or plants can grow. This method takes a lot of time, but it works very well to remove an entire stump.

Burning

Some people choose to burn their stumps as a method of removal. Although it works effectively, it’s not the most eco-friendly way to remove a stump, and it’s certainly not the safest.

Trust American Arbor Care With Your Stump Removal

Stump removal is a common service that most arborists perform. At American Arbor Care, we have the tools and skills to remove stumps of all shapes and sizes in the Denver area. If you’re interested in having a stump removed from your property, call today to schedule an appointment.

When it comes to Christmas holidays, every household has its own traditions. Decorating the house in the most special way is often one of them. Beautiful Christmas lights create a special atmosphere and make your property stand out from the crowd. However, hanging them is always a complicated process.

To make things easier on you and your family, you may want to consider hiring a professional Christmas light installer. Instead of climbing ladders and putting your health at risk, you can achieve perfect results in half the time.

Here are a few reasons why you may want to consider hiring a professional Christmas light installer this December.

Safety First 

Every year, more than 18,000 Americans visit the emergency room because they get hurt while hanging Christmas decorations. Some of the most common issues that contribute to their injuries are:

• Slippery or icy surfaces around the work area
• Faulty light strings or extension cords
• Exposed or frayed electrical wires
• Improper use of tools or equipment
• Poor visibility due to low light conditions
• Lack of proper protective gear (e.g., gloves, non-slip shoes)
• Loose or poorly secured decorations falling during installation

Professional Christmas light installers have all the necessary equipment and safety gear to complete the project without risking their health. These experts undergo special training that allows them to avoid emergency situations.

Time-Saving 

While it may be fun to decorate your home, it’s always frustrating when the project takes forever. Unlike Christmas tree decoration, hanging the lights is a lengthy process that often involves working outdoors in poor weather conditions.

Some people can spend hours getting the lights just right. That takes a good chunk out of a December weekend, which can otherwise be spent holiday shopping or spending time with family and friends.

Since professional installers have the right equipment and training, they can finish hanging the lights quickly. These experts will also check to make sure everything is secured properly so you don’t have to worry about rehanging fallen elements on Christmas Eve.  

Professional Appearance 

While you may be able to create a professionally-looking Christmas light display, it’s likely to take you a lot of time. A professional installer has experience with creating balanced and visually appealing layouts. They can match the light arrangement to the style of your home and give it an extra holiday charm.

Professionals also use advanced techniques to prevent issues like sagging lights or uneven spacing. They understand how to highlight key areas of your home, such as rooflines, windows, and landscaping to create an elegant presentation.

While professional installers are handling your Christmas decorations, you can always share your preferences and see your vision finally come to life.

Peace of Mind 

No matter how much fun the holiday season is, the preparations are always stressful. Trying to get the decorations just right can take all the excitement out of your Christmas traditions.

A professional installer allows you to avoid stress and helps your house look just perfect. Delegating this part of your holiday prep to a professional can give you much-needed peace of mind.

Taking a Smart Approach to Christmas Light Installation 

For many households, beautiful Christmas lights are an integral part of the holiday. However, the installation process can be dangerous, frustrating, and time-consuming.

By choosing to hire a Christmas light installer, you are delegating the project to the professionals and getting the best possible results. Besides a perfectly decorated home, you get some extra time and peace of mind.

Try working with a professional installer this year. You’ll never go back to DIYing again. 
If you’d like professional installation of your holiday lights, please contact us at any time. 

Kermes scale is a pest that attacks oak trees. These aggressive insects feed on the oak sap and cause serious damage to the tree. As soon as you notice kermes scale in your garden, you must take care of it immediately.

To fight this parasitic insect, you can take advantage of several methods. Learning more about the treatment options can help you make an educated decision about controlling kermes scale infestations.

Identifying Kermes Scale

Kermes scale insects are small and round. Their shell-like appearance makes them similar to the growth of gals, and many gardeners misidentify them at first.

These insects are usually around 1/8-inch in diameter and range from tan to reddish brown. Kermes scale often cluster together and create visible colonies on the host plant.

The primary target of these parasitic insects is oak trees. They usually sit near branch tips, leaf nodes, and bark crevices. Besides visible scales on the tree, the signs of infestation include:

• Yellowing, browning,  or wilting leaves
• Dropping leaves
• Stunted growth
• Excess sap on leaves or the ground beneath the tree

While kermes scale primarily affects oak species, other trees and shrubs in your garden may also be vulnerable due to sap build up causing them to not be able to photosynthesize. 

Treatment Options

Careful inspection of your plants and early detection are key to effective kermes scale treatment. You can address this challenge in several ways:

Cultural Control

If you don’t see a major infestation yet, you can start with natural methods like cultural control. Start by handpicking visible scales from the tree. Then, you can prune heavily infested branches to reduce the population and prevent the spread of scales.

Chemical Control

When cultural methods aren’t sufficient, you can try chemical treatments. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can work well against kermes scale, especially when they are at the early nymph stages (before forming a strong protective shell). You need to apply these products to all affected areas and ensure direct contact with the pests.

Another approach is systemic insecticides, which is what we recommend and primarily use.. These chemicals are absorbed by the plant and delivered to the scales through the sap. While these insecticides can work well against the scales, they may also hurt beneficial insects. That’s why using them without professional assistance can be dangerous for your garden.

Biological Control

A sustainable and often effective way to battle scale is to encourage natural predators to live in your garden. Ladybugs and parasitic wasps naturally feed on scale insects and help reduce their population over time.

To attract these beneficial insects, you can plant nectar-rich flowers nearby and reduce broad-spectrum pesticide application.

Prevention Tips

The best way to fight kermes scale is to keep it from infesting your garden in the first place. Some of the most effective preventive methods are:

• Regular Plant Inspections: Frequently check your plants, especially oak trees, for early signs of kermes scale.
• Maintain Plant Health: Healthy plants are more resistant to pests. Water, fertilize, and prune your trees and shrubs regularly.
• Use Pest-Resistant Varieties: Whenever possible, choose pest-resistant plant varieties for your garden. These options are less likely to attract kermes scale or other harmful pests.
• Encourage Beneficial Insects: Create a habitat for natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps in advance.

A healthy and well-maintained garden is often resistant to infestation. With the right preventive approach, it may be possible to avoid significant damage.

Managing Kermes Scale the Right Way 

Kermes scale is a small parasitic insect that attacks garden plants. Their favorite targets are oak trees. When the infestation begins, you can fight these insects by pruning, using insecticides, and attracting their natural enemies.

While kermes scale treatment is often effective, the best way to avoid the damage is to take a proactive approach. By implementing proper preventive measures, you can make your garden unappealing to this parasite.
To learn more about kermes scale and available treatments, please contact us today.

The year-round ability of evergreens to create a warm atmosphere is priceless. However, to maintain the texture and color, these trees need some extra help. As the cold weather settles, you need to take a special approach to protecting these plants.

Although more resistant than deciduous trees, evergreens are vulnerable to heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds. Since all of these aren’t a rarity in Denver, knowing how to prepare for the cold season is key to keeping your evergreens in top shape. Let’s discuss protective measures for this winter.  

When Should I Prune Evergreens?

The best time to prune most evergreens is late winter or early spring, just before the new growth begins. During this period, the trees are dormant. So, the risk of sap loss and pest infestation is low. Meanwhile, all the pruning scars will heal quickly once the new growth resumes in the spring.

Pruning techniques can vary depending on the type of evergreen.

• Spruce and Fir Trees: Pruning can include cutting back lateral branches to maintain shape or remove deadwood. These trees respond well to light trimming. They should never be overpruned.
• Pine Trees: Only prune the new growth, known as “candles,” to shape the tree without harming its health. Avoid cutting back to old wood because pines do not regrow from older branches.
• Shrubs (boxwoods or yew): Light shearing can maintain their shape, while selective pruning can improve air circulation and prevent disease.

Try not to prune your evergreens until February. Doing this could hurt your plants and keep them from growing properly next spring.

Should I Fertilize Before Winter?

The best time to fertilize evergreens is in the spring. This allows the nutrients to be absorbed and stored properly.

Late applications in fall  can encourage new growth that’s more vulnerable to winter damage. However, if you use a slow-release or time-release fertilizer, you can apply it in the late fall as well. Just make sure to do it before the first frost hits.

Over-fertilizing evergreens also poses significant risks. Excess nutrients can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which may harm roots and disrupt water absorption.

Essential Tips for Winterizing Evergreens

To survive winter, evergreens need your help. These techniques can make sure your plants are ready for growth in the spring.

Watering

Provide deep watering throughout late fall until the ground freezes. Aim for about one inch of water per week and make sure to account for rainfall. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Proper watering is necessary to support root hydration during dormancy.

Mulching

Mulch helps insulate the roots, retain soil moisture, and regulate temperature fluctuations. Spread 2–4 inches of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, in a ring around the tree’s base. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues.

Protecting against Winter Damage

Use burlap or plant wraps to shield smaller trees and shrubs from harsh conditions. You can consider installing windbreaks, such as temporary fences or strategically placed stakes, to reduce wind exposure.

To clean evergreens from heavy snow, brush them off gently. Shaking the branches to remove the snow can damage them.

Enjoy Healthy Evergreens This Winter 

While evergreens are strong plants, they need your help to make it through the winter. With the right approach to watering, fertilizing, and mulching, you can make sure these plants remain beautiful all year round.
If you have any questions about caring for evergreens this winter, please contact us at any time.

Rejuvenation pruning is the process of trimming back old branches and stems to promote the growth of new, healthier limbs, enabling the plant to thrive with fresher, stronger growth.

The main benefits of rejuvenation pruning include enhanced plant health, more vigorous growth, and improved flowering. While not all plants need this type of pruning, those that do often show remarkable results.

With the right technique, timing, and care afterward, you’ll quickly notice how vibrant your pruned plants become. Here’s a closer look at the process.

What is Rejuvenation Pruning?

Rejuvenation pruning is a method of cutting back old branches to help a plant grow new ones. Over time, plants can become too thick or weak and lose the ability to create new and healthy limbs. Once you remove the older stems, the plant gets a fresh start. This helps with better air circulation and sunlight exposure, which contribute to better growth.  

Two types of rejuvenation pruning are:

• Hard pruning – cutting the plant back almost to the ground (not suitable for all plants)
• Gradual pruning – removing one portion of the old stems and branches at a time

Rejuvenation pruning is different from regular trimming or shaping. Maintenance pruning focuses on removing dead or damaged branches to keep the plant neat, while shaping pruning helps control how a plant looks. Meanwhile, rejuvenation pruning is a more dramatic method that encourages the plant to grow back stronger.

Benefits of Rejuvenate Pruning 

Rejuvenate pruning does exactly what its name suggests. It rejuvenates older plants. Here are some of the benefits of this procedure:

• Improves Plant Health – By cutting away dead, damaged, or diseased branches, you prevent problems from spreading. This allows the plant to focus its energy on growing healthy limbs.
• Enhances Appearance – Over time, shrubs and bushes can become tangled, uneven, or too large. Rejuvenation pruning helps reshape the plant so it looks well-maintained.
• Boosts Flower and Fruit Production – Old, overcrowded branches can block sunlight and reduce airflow. This makes it hard for flowers and fruit to develop. Removing these branches encourages the plant to produce more blooms.
• Revives Aging Plants – Some plants slow down as they get older and start producing fewer leaves and flowers. Rejuvenation pruning encourages new growth.

With the right technique, it’s possible to reap all the above benefits for your garden without investing significant effort.

How to Rejuvenate Prune

The key to successful rejuvenate pruning is timing. The best time to do it is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This allows the plant to recover quickly when the growing season starts. Here are the steps to follow:

Gather Your Tools

You’ll need sharp pruning shears, loppers, or a saw for thick branches. Always use clean, disinfected tools to prevent the spreading of disease. Then decide whether you need to do a hard or gradual prune.

Start Cutting

If you choose to do a hard prune, you need to cut the stems that are less than 1 and 3/4 inches in diameter. Cut them back to 6 to 12 inches above the ground. If you are cutting branches, do it at the base or near a health bud.  

For gradual pruning, cut 1/3 to 1/2 of the stem once and then repeat it for two to three years in a row.

Take Safety Precautions

Always wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns and rough bark. Make sure to also use eye protection when cutting thick branches.

Get the Most out of Rejuvenate Pruning

Rejuvenation pruning can be an excellent maintenance technique. If you leverage the proper approach, you can easily turn old shrubs into young and flowering plants.
For more information about rejuvenate pruning and professional assistance, please contact certified arborists at American Arbor Care. We are here to help your garden thrive.